It’s that time of year when our calendars fill up with work parties, family gatherings, holiday events, and special church services. That means you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time with others. So let me ask you this question: How will the people you spend time with remember you?

Proverbs 10:7 promises, “Good people will be remembered as a blessing” (GNT). What do you hope people will remember about you?

Here are a few key ways you can be a blessing to those around you.

Empathize with others. Every day, you encounter people who are hurting or fearful or grieving or upset. Most of the time they don’t want you to try solving their problems; they just want to know you care. You’ve probably heard this before, and it’s true: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Think before you speak. James 1:19 says it clearly: “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (NLT). When you look at the world, you’ll see things that are sinful, unjust, and unfair. It’s okay to get angry at those things and to speak up about them. But first, pause long enough to listen, understand, and think. Then your words can help instead of hurt.

Resolve conflicts privately. Jesus told his followers, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense” (Matthew 18:15 NLT). When you have conflict with somebody, don’t gossip and bring other people into it. Instead, go to that person directly and deal with it one-on-one.

Appeal to the best in people. Instead of pointing out what people are doing wrong, help them see in faith what they could be. Nehemiah, an Old Testament leader of Israel, did this well. When he saw wealthy people exploiting the poor, he painted a picture for them of a better way: “We must honor our God by the way we live” (Nehemiah 5:9 CEV).

Do everything with humility and generosity. Proverbs 29:23 says, “If you are humble, you will be respected” (GNT). And Psalm 112:9 says, “They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever” (NLT).

Do you want to be remembered as a blessing? Ask God to help you grow in these five areas. Then look for ways to bless each person you meet.

I pray Daily Hope has helped you take steps of faith this year. If this teaching strengthened your faith or helped you trust God in a new way, please write to me at Rick@PastorRick.com. I love hearing how God is working in your life.